Essays

'Women are either goddesses or doormats', this legendary saying by Simone de Beauvoir, in her work called The Second Sex (1949) becomes very relevant in the way they are being tormented, molested and raped, now-a-days. Violence towards women is on the rise. And when someone courageous amongst them voices her interests and pains, the antediluvian, orthodox patriarchy opposes it with full force.

Recently, when Eve Ensler came to India with her Obie award winning play, 'The Vagina Monologues,' it was immediately banned in Chennai and there were wide protests in Mumbai and Delhi. This was due to the word ‘Vagina' in its title which actually made its staging difficult. Though it is known to very few, that vagina means 'sheath

for a sword' (a Greek word).

The Feminist movement which started way back in the 14th century with the writings of Chaucer, has come a long way The Modernist thoughts have led to the questioning of all the existing structures or stereotypes. The feminists believe that sex is biological while gender is socially constructed. They believe strongly that gender equations have helped them continue to remain sufferers. Gender also helps in stereotyping of females and males, thus, legitimizing a particular behavioural pattern. Thus, females shouldn't be aggressive, shouldn't laugh loudly but be soft- spoken, shy, vulnerable etc. While men should be aggressive, having high temper shouldn't complain about pains or cry

etc.

So, everything comes under question. It's true that such a long period of patriarchy can't be easily reformed in a manner, that it looks more towards the females' interest. But, campaigns, street plays, education, debates and other such activities can help build awareness. Though, females have put allegations upon males but it's true that men have proved to be rather stronger feminists than women themselves. This is because of the able nurturing of slave- mentality which has created glory in her conscious in remaining so.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Premchand, Dayanand Saraswati, E.V. Ramaswamy Nayakar Periyar etc. still continues to remain the greatest feminists of India. Al) of them believed that education of women alone is the most necessary for her liberation. But the question comes up about women belonging to the middle-class, who are working, about balancing her responsibilities between her job and family. This is the sole reason, why feminists continue to condemn marriage. They believe it to be a legalized prostitution.

So, it's the most necessary that we study the works of the western feminists like Luce Irigaray. Mary  Wollstowercraft, Simone de Beauvoir, Elaine Showalter etc. §0 that it can help build a good perception of the surrounding circumstances of both their country and ors. It will further help us to make plans about our specific societal circumstances thus, helping women feel liberated.